Manchester United haven’t completely ruled out the mid-season departure of their midfielder Manuel Ugarte.
The Uruguayan has been mostly underwhelming since joining the Red Devils in the summer of 2024. The club splashed £42 million to buy him from Paris Saint-Germain, but not even a coincidental reunion with Ruben Amorim (who coached him at Sporting Club) could reignite his career.
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Nicky Butt has recently launched a scathing criticism on the midfielder, insisting that Ugarte isn’t worthy of Man Utd, ‘not in a million years.
In recent days, rumours from Europe have tipped Ugarte to leave the club, with Galatasaray and Ajax circulating.
But would Man Utd consider parting ways with the 24-year-old at this stage of the season?
Manuel Ugarte can leave Man Utd if a replacement arrives
According to the Daily Mail journalists Chris Wheeler and Nathan Salt, United would only be willing to offload Ugarte in January if they were to sign another midfielder.
The source also confirms that Toby Collyer is on his way out once more, shortly following his return from West Brom. The young English midfielder will sign for Hull City on loan until the end of the season.
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Therefore, Michael Carrick is already operating with limited options in the middle of the park, especially after moving Bruno Fernandes back to his original role as an attacking midfielder.
Manuel Ugarte arrives at Elland Road. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo have now emerged as the main options in the double pivot, while Ugarte is the only natural replacement.
At this stage, United certainly can’t afford to lose another midfield option, even in their extremely light schedule.
Nevertheless, if a new midfielder were to join the club, Ugarte’s playing time would be dealt another blow, so perhaps Carrick wouldn’t mind sending him on his way.
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Will United sign a new midfielder in January?
Man Utd have been linked with various profiles in recent weeks, including the likes of Ruben Neves, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and even Wilfried Ndidi. However, INEOS have yet to launch an onslaught for any of these rumoured targets.
Hence, United’s midfield could remain intact until the end of the season, before undergoing a major summer overhaul.
In addition to Ugarte, Casemiro could also be on his way out, as his contract will expire in June. On the other hand, the likes of Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba should become available in July, albeit for considerable figures.
